National Skin Centre offers a comprehensive range of laboratory tests for the diagnosis of a wide variety of dermatological diseases. The professional staff is experienced in the histological diagnosis of dermatological diseases and in the interpretation of pathological findings. The specialised laboratory services include:

•Mycology

Skin scrapings, cultures and identification of dermatophytes, moulds and yeasts for nail, hair and skin specimens.

•Hair Microscopy

Examination of hair shaft abnormalities and anagen: telogen counts.

•Dermatopathology

Histological examination of skin specimens with a spectrum of tests for histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.

•Immunohistochemistry

Examination of formalin-fixed parafiin embedded skin specimens for immunophenotyping (for example lymphoproliferative disorders and characterisation of tumor differentiation).

•Immunofluorescence

Direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests for the diagnosis of immunobullous diseases, connective tissue diseases and vasculitis.

•Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Assays for detection of antibodies against desmoglein 1, desmoglein 3, BP (Bullous pemphigoid) 180 and BP 230 and Type VII collagen for the diagnosis of immunobullous diseases.

•Molecular Diagnostics

We have a interlaboratory network for PCR detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis, herpes simplex virus in skin or other tissue specimens, detection of clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement, IgH heavy chain gene rearrangements in lymphoproliferative disorders and in-situ hybridization of EBV (EBER).

USING OUR SERVICES

•Laboratory Administration

Head of Dermatopathology and Laboratory Services

Senior Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Joyce Lee

Laboratory Manager

Mr Lee Sau Chuen

•Office

Our office is located on Level 4, Laboratory

Department, National Skin Centre and is the

collection and reception centre for specimens

sent from other hospitals, clinics and

laboratories.

Tel: (65) 6350 8581 (general enquiries)

       (65) 6350 8592 (histology)

Fax: (65) 6350 8588

Email: nscqa@nsc.com.sg

•Operating Hours

Mondays to Fridays: 8.00am to 12.00pm

                                 1.00pm to 5.00pm

 Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays closed.

•Specimen Collection

A transport service for collection of specimens for private dermatologists in Singapore is provided by National Skin Centre. Please call 6350 8436 for appointment. Collection of specimens is during office hours between 9.00am and 3.00pm. For centres outside Singapore, specimens should be sent by courier service to the above address. The courier fee will be borne by the sender.

•Request Form

Specimens should be accompanied by a request form or a letter, stating the laboratory test that is requested for. A short clinical history will help in the clinicopathological correlation and in the interpretation of test results. The referring clinician and the contact number of clinician or person to contact should also be provided.

•Transport Media

a. Specimens for histology should be sent in 10% formalin within 7 days of biopsy.

b. Specimens for direct immunofluorescence studies should be sent in Michel’s holding medium within 7 days of biopsy. The holding medium is provided by NSC laboratory upon request and can be dispatched to the referring clinic or hospital in advance. For centres outside Singapore, a charge for postage will be levied.

c. Blood specimens (5 mls) for indirect immunofluorescence studies can be sent in plain tubes.

•Reports

a. A faxed histology report is available, usually within 3 working days of specimen collection. Allowance should be made for cases requiring further sections, special stains or immunohistochemistry.

b. Reports for immunofluorescence are available within a week of specimen collection.

All faxed reports will be followed by post.